Fish Perfume (Cozy Harbor Marina Series) Page 26

  Pete got a serious look on his face and put his hand over his heart and said, “Your secrets are safe with me, Oh Wise One.”

  I was on the edge of my seat waiting to hear what Tony would say to him. I felt Pete wasn’t the only one who was going to learn something tonight.

  Tony said, “Well, I was raised around a lot of women. Do you like women?”

  Pete said, “I love women.”

  Tony said, “You not only have to love women, but you have to be a man who likes women, really and truly likes them. You have to like hanging out with them, you have to like listening to them. You have to worship them. Can you do that?”

  Pete looked at Tony in awe and said, “I think so.”

  Tony said, “It’s either all or nothing. Listening is the most important. They like to talk about their feelings and you have to give them what they need. You have to make them feel that what they say and feel is important to you. Women are the most beautiful, amazing creatures in the world and you have to believe it to the core of your being. Look at history. Men have fought wars for them, they’ve died for them. They’ve built castles for them. You have to love all women—old ones, middle-aged ones, young ones, pretty ones, and homely ones. I’m talking about all women. The most important thing is you have to respect them. If you don’t respect them, they’ll never trust you. If they don’t trust you, they won’t love you. Let me ask you a question. What’s your most precious material possession?”

  Pete thought about it for a minute and then said, “I’d have to say my surfboard?

  Tony said, “Good. Do you take good care of your board?”

  Pete said, “I take really good care of it. I wax it all the time and polish it so it rides smooth in the water.”

  Tony said, “Well, treat a women like you do your board and you’ll be all set. Cherish her, worship her, rub her body with slow, soft strokes, and she’ll be putty in your hands.”

  Pete said, “Oh my God. I’m finally getting it.”

  Tony said, “Don’t come on too strong in the beginning. Don’t talk too much about yourself, be a little mysterious. Let her be curious about you. Lure her in and she’ll want to find out more about you.”

  Pete thought about this for a while and said, “I’m not good-looking like you, though. Will it work for me?”

  Tony said, “Looks aren’t everything and that works both ways. There are a lot of women who might not look like a goddess on the outside, but inside they are all goddesses waiting to be released by the right guy. In order to be that guy, you have to listen, respect, care, and worship. If you get lucky enough to gain their respect, you’ll be able to worship every inch of them. Remember, their pleasure always comes first. You’ll get yours in abundance if you do that.”

  Pete looked dazed. He asked Tony, “How can I ever thank you?”

  Tony said, “Go forth and conquer, young man, and remember a gentleman is always a gentleman.”

  Pete got up from the booth and said, “My eternal thanks, Oh Wise One.”

  When he walked away, Tony rolled his eyes at me and we both started to laugh.

  The waitress served our food.

  I said, “Tony, you are too funny. I thought I was going to pee my pants. I’ve got to tell you, though, I liked what you said. If that kid follows your advice, he’s going to be a happy man.”

  Tony got a serious look on his face and said, “I meant what I said, Meggie. I do love women. I enjoy their company, I respect them, and I really do think they’re the most amazing creatures in the world.”

  I smiled at him and said, “I believe you. Tony, you get women, you really get us. I’m amazed. Helen is a lucky girl.”

  He said, “I’m the lucky one. Now what the hell is going on with you, Red Hot?” Tell the ‘Oh Wise One’ why those beautiful baby blues of yours look so sad.”

  I immediately got choked up. I swallowed hard and said, “It’s Ian. I don’t know what to do about him. For the past week I’ve been on an emotional roller coaster. First I overheard a conversation he was having with some guy in the store who asked Ian if he got Gram to agree to sell him the marina yet.”

  Tony looked surprised. He said, “I didn’t know he was interested in it.”

  “Neither did I. My first thought was that he was dating me to get on Gram’s good side.”

  “I doubt that, Red Hot.”

  “I confronted him about it and he told me the truth, but I was surprised he never discussed it with me before. He said it never came up in conversation. I’m not sure I believe he was using me to get to Gram, but it made me doubt him. I only have a week left before I go back to Philly. Gram asked me to stay and run the marina. I would like to, but I’m hesitant because I’m not sure how Ian feels about me. He’s never told me.”

  “But he’s showed you in many ways, don’t forget that.”

  “Maybe he’s that way with all the girls he dates.”

  “Does Ian know your Gram wants you to stay?”

  “That’s the thing. I told him and he didn’t say anything. He didn’t encourage me one way or the other. I really believe that he was only into having a summer fling. If I stay and he dumps me, I would have to see him all the time and I don’t know if I can do that. I’m in love with him and it would hurt too much.”

  Tony sat back and smiled at me. He said, “Meggie, I’m sure he has feelings for you. Take it from the Wise One, he does. I think you should stay and see where it goes and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Remember what I said about the code. He’s just making sure of his feelings before he lets them out of the bag. He’s being extra careful with you because he cares.”

  “I hope you’re right, Tony.”

  He winked at me and said, “If I’m not and he breaks your little heart, I’ve got some relatives who could make him sorry he ever darkened your doorstep.”

  I laughed. “Thanks for listening, Tony.”

  “You’re welcome, Red Hot.”

  We chatted some more while we finished off our burgers.

  As we got up to leave, we both turned around to see how Pete was making out in the back of the bar. He was standing near the dartboard talking to a petite brunette. He looked our way and Tony gave him a thumbs-up. Pete smiled and bowed.

  Tony and I smiled at each other and laughed our way out to his truck.

  When I got home, I checked my answering machine and there was a message from Helen to call her.

  I dialed her number and she picked up on the second ring.

  I said, “Hi, Hel, it’s me.”

  “Hey you. I’m flying up tomorrow; I can’t wait. Are you and Ian coming to the pool party?”

  “Yep, it should be fun. I just had an interesting dinner with Tony.”

  She said, “Oh, that’s nice. Where did you two go?”

  “Kelly’s and we ran into the pick-up-line artist, Pete.”

  “How’s he making out, any luck?”

  “No, but I think things are about to change for him. He asked Tony for some tips and Tony gave him a class in Women 101.”

  “Oh boy, I bet that was interesting.”

  “It was and I’ve got to hand it to Tony, he’s a man who really gets women. He blew me away.”

  She laughed and asked, “What did he say?”

  “He said we are all goddesses and need to be treated with respect. There was a lot more to it, but Tony really should teach a class and all men should be required to take it in high school. It should be a requirement like math and English. The world would be filled with happy women.”

  “I have to admit, he is amazing. I can’t wait to see him.”

  “Things must be serious with you guys. He told me you’re going to Paisano Sunday again.”

  “I’m a little nervous about that, but he’s
worth having my ass pinched a few more times. How are things going with Ian?”

  “He’s been up in Maine the last few days, but I’m supposed to see him tomorrow night. My Gram has asked me to stay and run the marina and I’m not sure what to do. I told Ian this and he had no comment. I don’t know how he feels about me and I don’t want to stay unless I know where I stand with him. I’ve had a great time with him, but the problem is I’m in love with him and I’m afraid I’ll be broken-hearted if I stay. I’ve got to make up my mind this weekend. Gram needs to know and if I decide to stay I’ve gotta let the school know.”

  “Oh Meggie, I’m sure he has feelings for you. I think you should go for it. Stay up there and keep dating him and see where it goes. If I wind up moving up there, I want my best friend nearby.”

  “Tony basically said the same thing. I bored him with all my troubles over dinner. He’s a good listener. I know a lot of men have trouble talking about their feelings, but I’ve got life-changing decisions to make. I imagine Tony tells you how he feels, doesn’t he?

  She laughed. “He does. I’m not used to it and at first I felt a little uncomfortable about it, but now I can’t get enough. He’s much better at expressing his feelings than I am.”

  “Consider yourself lucky.”

  “Maybe you can have a talk with Ian tomorrow night.”

  “I intend to. I don’t know what our plans are for the evening, but I’m definitely going to talk to him.”

  “Go for it, Meggie. No guts, no glory.”

  “I’m going offshore fishing tomorrow and then I’m going to check out Mo’s blind date for her. She’s got a date with a guy she met on the net and he’s picking her up at the marina. She wants me to scope him out for her before she gets on his boat.”

  “I hope he’s a hot one for her.”

  “So do I. I’ll see you on Saturday and let you know what I’ve decided. Thanks, Hel.”

  “Chin up, girlfriend. Bye.”

  I hung up and got ready for bed. Tomorrow will be a big day. God, I miss Ian.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  I walked out of the cottage and went over to the store to open up. Journey was coming in early to cover for me. To my surprise, I actually slept well last night and I feel great. I’m so excited about the fishing trip; it’s kept my mind off Ian. Of course, he is always in the back of my mind, but I promised myself I wasn’t going to think too much about him today. I’m going to enjoy myself on the high seas.

  Journey showed up and I proceeded down to the docks to the Bonnie Blue. Everyone was already on board ready to go. The Murphy brothers took the bag I had packed with my super-duper sunscreen and a six pack of bottled water.

  The Murphy brothers look so much alike they could be twins. Don is the younger one and Mikey a few years older. They’re both in their thirties and have great bodies. They have the same brown hair, blue eyes, and strong chins. Through the grapevine, okay, thru Mo, I heard Mikey is divorced and Don has never been married. They smiled at me and Don heaved my bag up above in the cockpit.

  Don asked, “Are you ready to catch a big fish, Meggie?”

  I smiled and said, “I can’t wait.”

  Jim was fooling around with the radios. He turned around and said, “Little lady, we’re hoping you’ll bring us luck today.”

  I said, “I hope so, too.”

  Bonnie came up from below with a cup of coffee in her hand. She spotted me and said, “Hey Meggie, want some joe?”

  I smiled at her and said, “No thanks, I’m wired as it is. I’m so excited.”

  Jim said, “We have about a two-and-a-half-hour ride out before we drop the lines, so you can nap below or sit up here and watch the sunrise.”

  “I’m gonna watch the sunrise,” I replied.

  Bonnie said, “It’s amazing to watch from the water.”

  I asked, “Where are we going?”

  Jim held up his right hand and wiggled his fingers. “The Fingers. It’s about 40 miles out, 20 miles south of Martha’s Vineyard. They call it the Fingers because the depth contours are shaped like, guess what, fingers. It’s a great fishing spot.”

  He started the engines and I took a seat up in the cockpit with Bonnie. The Murphy brothers sat on coolers in the back of the boat.

  We pulled out of the harbor and through the channel between Jerusalem and Galilee. It was flat calm and I settled in to enjoy the views. Pretty soon all that was visible in every direction was water. An hour after we got out to sea, the sun rose and it was a spectacular sight. I was in heaven.

  A little while later, Jim shouted at me, “Meggie, you’ve got to see this, look off starboard.”

  I turned to the right to see a big giant turtle swimming along. There is nothing better than observing sea creatures in their own element. We all watched the turtle swimming along happy as can be. Already I’ve had a great day. It was priceless.

  An hour later, the Murphy brothers went down below and started to bring up the rods and reels. Bonnie and I helped as they placed them in the rod holders in the back of the boat. Don and Mikey started to rig the rods with different-colored lures, making sure they were all rigged up properly to the outriggers and the safety lines. Jim had told me that we would be trolling today and dragging plastic. When the guys were finished, seven rods were rigged up and we were ready to start fishing. Bonnie had the binoculars out and was on bait watch.

  Ten minutes later, she said, “There’s the bait—portside. Here, have a look, Meggie.”

  She handed me the binoculars and I took a look at the water. I had no idea what I was looking for.

  I said, “I see a bubbling on the surface of the water.”

  She patted me on the back and said, “You’re a natural fisherwoman. That’s the bait moving. The big fish look for that and then they come up to eat. That’s when we drop the lines and go for them.”

  The Murphys started to let line out and we were officially fishing. A few minutes later, I heard a click and zzzzzzzzzzz sound.

  Don said, “Fish on. You’re up, Meggie.”

  I jumped up and Don handed me the rod.

  He said, “Start reeling in, Meggie. Nice and easy.”

  I started reeling and by the time I got the fish to the boat, Mikey was holding a gaff and Don a large net.

  Mikey said, “It looks like just a mushie.”

  I said, “What’s a mushie?”

  Don laughed and said, “Nothing you would enjoy eating. It’s oceanic bonito. They have a soft mouth and bloody meat, not too tasty. We’re gonna let him see another day.”

  Mikey gently took the hook out the fish’s mouth and tossed him back in. A couple more lines hit and we reeled in a few more mushies. We trolled around for another half-hour and then two rods hit. They were bent over.

  Bonnie said, “Looks like we got two big ones.”

  She put a belt on me that had a rod holder attached and then put one on herself. Don handed me one rod and Bonnie the other one. We started to reel in the fish. It was a workout. It took us about five minutes to bring them to the boat, but it seemed a lot longer. I was working up a sweat. Bonnie got hers to the boat first and the guys scooped it up with a large net.

  Jim said, “Nice mahi, Bonnie. Looks like a thirty-pounder.”

  I looked over at the fish flopping around the deck. Its skin was beautiful with different shades of blue, yellow, and green. Mikey held down the fish while Don took the hook out of its mouth and put it in the large cooler. Then they helped me with my fish, which was also a mahi, but not quite as big as Bonnie’s.

  Don took the hook out and I went over to open the cooler. I lifted the lid and Bonnie’s mahi took a flying leap out of the cooler, up in the air, and over the side.

  Everyone started laughing.

  I said, “Oh my God. I’m so so
rry.”

  Jim said, “That’s a first. I guess that fish had other plans. Don’t worry about it, Meggie, at least you’ll have a good story to tell about your first offshore trip.”

  I started to laugh and I said, “I can’t believe that happened.”

  Bonnie said, “I can’t either. Too funny.”

  I could hear my fish banging around in the cooler. I said, “I kind of feel bad for the fish.”

  Bonnie said, “We only take our limit and we eat it all. Sometimes we just sportfish and tag the catch for the Marine Fisheries Service. It helps them keep track of the species population. One time we tagged a small tuna and got a postcard from the Fishery Service that it was caught two years later down in Venezuela.”

  I said, “That’s cool.”

  The Murphys set the lines again and we continued to troll around. We could see a few other boats in the area.

  Don jumped up and said, “Whale off the starboard side.”

  I looked out in the water and saw my first whale in the wild. It was gray and I could see it move through the water, its hump and tail resurfacing. We all enjoyed watching the whale until we heard a line hit and then it was back to fishing. Every time I heard a line hit, my adrenaline started pumping. Fishing, I think, runs two opposite ends of the spectrum. You go from being completely bored to totally excited in about two seconds flat.

  Mikey went for the rod that was bent over; its tip was almost down to the water’s edge.

  Bonnie said, “You take it, Mikey, it looks like a big one.”

  Don fastened a rod holder around Mikey’s waist and he started to reel it in. It kept taking more line and then he would reel it in again. This went on for about fifteen minutes.

  Mikey said, “I think I’d better sit in the fighting chair. He sat and took the rod out of the belt at his waist and set it in the holder on the chair. Sweat poured down his face as he fought the fish and he was grunting from the strain.